TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$88,246/yr
Typical range: $83,924 – $103,196
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Machine Learning Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $88,246 | $7,354 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $109,009 | $9,084 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $122,852 | $10,238 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $142,231 | $11,853 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $192,064 | $16,005 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $240,859 | $20,072 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $253,057 | $21,088 | +187% |
Current Salary
$88,246
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $42/hr
Next Level Target
$109,009
Junior · 2
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Machine Learning Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Machine Learning Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $88K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $88K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $42/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $163K–$201K/yr.